The threat of cybercrime is increasingly apparent to individuals and organisations across the globe. From phishing to hacking, scamming to grooming, and botnets to cyber-terrorism, the variety and ingenuity of exploits appear to expand constantly. In this context, this programme addresses system vulnerabilities and the preventative measures that may counter cybercrime including steps to repair systems weaknesses and prevent repeat occurrence.

You will learn how to collect and examine digital evidence using Encase and FTK, and how to secure virtual crime scenes. You will learn and develop an understanding of legal issues raised by the increased use of communication networks. The programme also provides theoretical and practical knowledge in relevant technologies and techniques used to secure or investigate an computer system. The programme will enable access to Forensics Lab where the students have hand-on-hand training on how to collect and handle evidences from different physical and logical devices according to ACPO guide.

On completion of the MSc Information Security and Computer Forensics, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the concepts of information security.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the procedures and techniques to employ when investigating computer incidents and computer misuse.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of computer security and hacking techniques.

An honours degree in Computing from a recognised UK University at 2.2 or above or, a degree qualification of a standard equivalent from a recognised university outside the U.K is expected.
In the case of applicants whose first degree is from overseas, then minimum overall IELTS 6.0 with a minimum 6.0 in writing & speaking and 5.5 in reading & listening or TOEFL 250/600 is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.
Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.

The MSc Information Security and Computer Forensics programme has FOUR taught modules plus a dissertation and runs in two modes:

1. Traditional delivery mode (12 weeks), &
2. Block mode of delivery (one week, Monday to Friday, 9:00- 17:00) as an alternative for professional and part-time students.

   The duration of the MSc varies according to the semester in which the student starts the programme:

   • The duration of the programme for full time students starting in semester A (September) is 12 months.
   • The duration of the programme for full time students starting in semester B  (February) is 18 months. Students would have a summer break in their studies.
   • The duration of the programme for part time students starting in semester A (September) is 24 months.
   • The duration of the programme for part time students starting in semester B  (February) is 24 months.

In a postgraduate programme, in rapidly advancing subjects, it is felt more appropriate to expose students both to academic and practitioner innovation. Therefore the programme is delivered through a combination of formal lectures and seminars, reinforced by assignments and practical classes, making use of the in-house computing facilities and web based support.

The modules are assessed through a combination of examinations and continuous assessment for each semester. The dissertation will be assessed by the staff supervisor and a second internal assessor and will be subject to an oral examination.

Relevance to work/profession

The programme will be continually developed to meet the specific demands that industry require and strives to use the latest industrial standard IT packages.

The dissertation gives the student an opportunity to apply the discipline and skills of the programme to an individually selected topic requiring a measure of original development, providing a vehicle for conducting an in-depth research investigation, analysis and critical review of relevant material.

Internetworking opens up the possibilities of computer crimes through network systems’ security holes. Hackers gain unauthorized access to computer systems, playing simple pranks such as defacing web pages to committing malicious attacks such as denial-of-services and stealing or damaging sensitive data. Unfortunately, most users lack rudimentary knowledge of computer networks and the security measures, making them vulnerable which further encourage the acts of hackers.
Clearly, there is a strong need to train the IT professionals with the knowledge of Information Security and network security measures, intrusion prevention and detection, and forensic analysis for compromised systems.

There is a shortage of skilled personnel in the fields of information security and digital forensics, and graduates of this programme can progress to work in multinational organisations including cybercrime-fighting agencies. In addition, the course will prepare you to sit for ACE Certification (FTK).

Students are supported by an allocated personal tutor who is responsible for providing advice and guidance throughout their term of study. Support is also given during specific stages of progression, such as research methods for the dissertation, as well as extra support for those that require it such as English / study skills and IT training.

This MSc enjoys a high exposure with industry; as external specialist lecturers continue to deliver their knowledge through lectures and seminars. This is particularly attractive to the students.

Students attend a research methods session which allows them the opportunity of investigating a variety of contemporary methodological frameworks and research methods so as to prepare them for the individual research dissertation.